Campaigners have hailed a decision to scrap plans to replace a disused petrol station with flats as a 'triumph' for conservation areas across Hillingdon.

Planning officials rejected the proposal to build 14 apartments and a commercial office in Ruislip at a meeting last night (Tuesday, November 18).

They ruled that the development was too large for a designated conservation area.

Sue Browne, a member of the Ruislip Village Conservation Area Panel, said: “The decision was a triumph for all of us who have been trying to save the principle of a conservation area.”

Eileen Bowlt, chair of the panel, added: “It is very good news for the conservation area and conservation in Hillingdon in general. Had it gone through it would have meant all conservation areas in the borough were in danger.”

Credit: Google Maps - Street View. The petrol station in Midcroft, Ruislip is currently being used as a car wash

However, SCP Architects, the firm behind the plans, said today that it would appeal the decision.

Architect Narinder Juttla said: “We will appeal but also we will talk to planners to see what we can do [to amend the plans].”

He added: “I am gutted, obviously, because we have been working hand in hand with the planners and the conservation officers and they were quite positive.

“On the day I think it was just a bit too big so we will see what we can do.”

The plans rejected last night had been recommended for approval, having been downsized from earlier proposals.

They involved demolishing the existing petrol station in Midcroft, which is currently used as a car wash, to make way for a block of flats containing three studio apartments and 11 two-bedroom properties, with underground car-parking.

The original proposals had included 18 flats.

The site falls within the Ruislip Village Conservation Area and is also an archaeological priority area.

The village conservation area was designated in 1969 and contained the medieval core of the village, centred around Manor Farm and St Martin's Parish Church.

It was extended in 1973, and again in 2008, to include the High Street and parts of the surrounding residential areas.